History-making residency provided students once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities with Broadway-bound production
Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts proudly hosted the final performance of DOLLY: A True Original Musical Sunday, Aug. 31 following a multi-week world premiere run. After adding 16 additional shows to meet extraordinary demand, the final curtain call concluded a 49-performance run that drew more than 77,900 attendees.
"I am so thankful to President Greg Jones and all the Belmont faculty, staff and students who helped bring my story to life on the Fisher Center stage this summer," exclaims Parton. "As we continue to workshop our musical for Broadway, I am excited to know that the Belmont University DOLLY U partnership will continue, with students playing a part in the next step of our journey, just as they did for our Nashville premiere."
University students were at the heart of the production’s success. Nine Bruins selected to participate in the inaugural DOLLY U Fellowship Program were employed full time in production-related roles, while others supported front-of-house operations and contributed to backstage responsibilities. The set was also constructed over a five-week build inside the Fisher Center, giving students an immersive musical theatre learning experience from start to finish.
Kennedy Paus, a Belmont senior and audio engineering technology major, said of the experience, “It was incredible to be able to learn from industry professionals and to be a part of creating a stellar Broadway show! I never would have imagined when I first came to Belmont that I would have an opportunity like this. Dolly Parton is a legend, and I’m so inspired by her and her story.”
The musical’s world premiere success not only positioned Parton’s hometown of Nashville in the international spotlight, the run was also a huge win for the Belmont community. In addition to the public performances, Belmont students, alumni, faculty and staff enjoyed an exclusive showing, during which the global superstar herself shared a warm welcome and personal thanks for the campus community’s hospitality and participation.
Fisher Center Executive Director Chaz Corzine added, “Being the home for the premier of DOLLY: A True Original Musical has been a tremendous honor for the Fisher Center. We were able to welcome over 76,000 guests to our venue for a world-class performance, and we will be forever grateful for the hands-on education so many of our students got to experience because of this unique opportunity.”
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